Items filtered by date: August 2021

Ankle pain may be caused by a variety of injuries, foot conditions, or systemic diseases. Injuries that commonly cause ankle pain include sprains, strains, and fractures. Achilles tendinitis, chronic bursitis, and flat feet are examples of foot conditions that may lead to ankle pain. Systemic diseases like arthritis, gout, poor circulation, and peripheral neuropathy can also cause ankle pain. Ankle pain will vary in intensity based on the nature of the condition. It may worsen over time, and be accompanied by swelling, redness, inflammation, redness of the skin, and warmth. The ability to put weight on the ankle may also be mildly or completely hindered. Patients who are suffering from ankle pain should consult with a podiatrist because podiatrists are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating all kinds of ankle pain.  They are also able to use various diagnostic and treatment methods from conservative care to surgical reconstruction to treat the underlying condition.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The pinky toe is the smallest toe on the foot, and it is located on the outside of the foot.  It can easily be involved in an injury and be painful to deal with when broken.  A broken pinky toe will often appear to be bruised, and can turn red and purple. Some patients experience swelling, as well as misalignment of the affected toe. An effective diagnosis may involve undergoing an X-ray, which can help to determine what type of fracture it is. A hairline fracture can be treated by resting the affected foot, and relief may be found when an elastic bandage is worn. Patients who are over sixty-five may be prone to enduring a dislocated toe, meaning separation of the bones in the toe. If you feel you may have broken your toe, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with correct treatment options.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Planning a trip to the shoe store? Be sure to start with an accurate measurement to ensure you get shoes that are the right size. Start at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest, and stand up straight with one foot on a piece of paper (tape two pieces together if necessary). Carefully trace your foot’s shape with a pen or pencil held at a 90 degree angle. For the length: use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the tracing from the length of your foot from the bottom of your heel to the tip of the longest toe. To measure the width of your foot, wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your foot (be sure you are pressing down the full weight of your body as you do it). Repeat the entire measuring process on your other foot. Check the largest measurements you’ve recorded against an online shoe size measurement tool to determine your ideal shoe size (length) and width (regular, wide, or extra wide). For more tips on choosing shoes most appropriate for your particular foot size and shape, consult with a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Approximately, 9 out of 10 infants are born with flat feet. For most children, the foot will develop an arch over time as their baby fat disappears and their foot muscles grow and strengthen from walking. A smaller subset of children will not develop an arch. Most of them will continue to have flexible flat feet where an arch is present only when the feet are not bearing weight. Some of these children may have a short Achilles tendon, which can limit ankle mobility. Other children might have rigid flat feet, which do not have an arch regardless of whether or not the feet are bearing weight. In most cases, flat feet in children are asymptomatic. However, if your child complains of foot pain, appears to have difficulty walking, or has a dysfunctional walking pattern, please take them to see a podiatrist. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Shoe shopping can sometimes seem like an endless slog through shoes that are too roomy or too tight, when all you want is a pair that fits just right. Shoes that are too big might fail the “finger test” by allowing you to fit more than one finger between your heel and the end of the shoe, or might only stay on your foot when tightly laced. Shoes that are too small may squish your toes and rub uncomfortably against your heels. Occasionally, it may even be hard to determine the fit of a shoe when you try it on in the store. Some shoes, such as leather dress shoes, are made with materials that fit snugly at first but stretch over time. Shoes that fit perfectly will provide enough room in the toe area for you to wiggle your toes comfortably, fit snugly without chafing your heels or causing blisters, and support your foot and ankle. To learn more about how to find the right shoes for you, please consult with a podiatrist.  

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. John R. Northrup from Superior Foot, Ankle & Wound Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palm Coast, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.